YOU ARE AT:Network InfrastructureApple gets the green light to bid on Nortel’s patents

Apple gets the green light to bid on Nortel’s patents

Antitrust regulators in the United States have given Apple Inc. (AAPL) the go-ahead to bid on Nortel Networks Corp.’s (NRTLQ) patent portfolio comprised of at least 6,000 patents. The company got the green light following a review at the Justice Department, Bloomberg reports.
Though Apple has the OK to bid, new reviews could arise if the company ends up on top of the bidding war for the bankrupt company’s patents. Earlier this week, Nortel delayed the auction to field a new level of interest from Apple and Intel Corp. (INTC). The two Silicon Valley giants entered the fray with Google Inc. (GOOG), which won approval for a stalking horse bid last month.. L.M. Ericsson (ERIC), RBX Corp. and Research In Motion Ltd. (RIMM) are also reportedly weighing bids for the bankrupt company’s portfolio that comprises 6,000 patents. Ericsson purchased Nortel’s wireless-equipment business for $1.13 billion in 2009, beating out Nokia Siemens Networks and others.
The auction is currently set for June 27. Nortel’s patent portfolio has a heavy play in mobile technology so it was expected to generate a lot of interest, even at the final hour. Google’s bid of $900 million has to be beat by at least $29 million to be considered.

ABOUT AUTHOR

Matt Kapko
Matt Kapko
Former Feature writer for RCR Wireless NewsCurrently writing for CIOhttp://www.CIO.com/ Matt Kapko specializes in the convergence of social media, mobility, digital marketing and technology. As a senior writer at CIO.com, Matt covers social media and enterprise collaboration. Matt is a former editor and reporter for ClickZ, RCR Wireless News, paidContent and mocoNews, iMedia Connection, Bay City News Service, the Half Moon Bay Review, and several other Web and print publications. Matt lives in a nearly century-old craftsman in Long Beach, Calif. He enjoys traveling and hitting the road with his wife, going to shows, rooting for the 49ers, gardening and reading.